Consumers need to proactively "speak up" to protect themselves.

In recent days, Ms. HTT (residing in Ea Kao commune, Buon Ma Thuot city) has remained confused because she herself had used one of the milk products from a company involved in the fake milk production ring recently uncovered by the police.

Ms. T. stated that she had previously received a gift of a 900-gram box of milk from a friend. The distributor was Group International Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company, located at BT9-02 Phu Luong New Urban Area, Phu Luong Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi City; the production date was December 8, 2023, and the expiration date was June 7, 2026. The manufacturer clearly states the ingredients of this milk product as follows: whole milk powder, concentrated whey protein, sugar, unsaturated fats, soluble fiber, colostrum, various vitamins, and minerals… The packaging clearly states the benefits: “Provides a rich source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals to nourish the body and improve health; Protein and lipids provide energy to aid in recovery; Fucoidan strengthens the immune system, acts as an antioxidant, and improves health for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The product is suitable for people needing to supplement their health before and after surgery, and those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy…” Upon discovering that the carton of milk she used was one of hundreds of products manufactured by Group International Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company, she felt worried and uneasy because the product was substandard. Since it was a gift, she didn't know where the carton of milk came from. She herself only hopes that the authorities will conduct inspections and publicize the types of substandard and counterfeit milk so that consumers can make informed choices.

Ms. HTT (residing in Ea Kao commune, Buon Ma Thuot city) had previously consumed milk produced by Group International Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company, which is part of the recently uncovered counterfeit milk ring.

Ms. NTH (residing in Thanh Nhat ward, Buon Ma Thuot city) – who bought a height-enhancing product for her daughter last year – also expressed concern. Ms. H. revealed that in 2024, while following Facebook, she saw several famous artists and actors advertising this milk powder product as a supplement to help teenagers grow taller. Hoping her daughter would grow taller during this period, she bought HU milk powder for 900,000 VND per box. After using it for a while and monitoring her daughter's height, she did see an increase, but it was insignificant and not as effective as the "glowing advertisements on social media." Therefore, she stopped using the product for her daughter and instead supplemented her diet with calcium-rich foods in her daily meals.

Ms. H. further shared that, after following information from newspapers, television, and social media, although she knew that the milk she had given her child was not part of the fake milk production and distribution ring recently discovered by authorities, she still couldn't help but feel anxious.

Notably, counterfeit milk and milk with exaggerated advertising claims about its benefits are not only purchased and consumed by the public, but in many hospitals and treatment facilities, doctors and medical staff also advise and prescribe it to post-surgical patients.

Regarding this issue, Dr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Director of the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital, said that immediately after the Ministry of Health issued a directive to medical facilities to review and check the prescription of non-medicinal products such as milk and functional foods, the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital reviewed its entire procurement process for medicines, equipment, and medical supplies. The hospital also emphasized that doctors and medical staff must prescribe medications strictly according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, absolutely prohibiting the inclusion of functional foods in patients' prescriptions; and must advise and explain to patients about their condition and treatment methods in accordance with the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment. If patients have evidence that doctors have added functional foods or milk to their prescriptions, they should report it to the hospital for appropriate action.

"To date, the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital does not have any counterfeit drugs or fake milk related to the case currently under investigation by the authorities," affirmed Dr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Specialist II.

The inter-agency inspection team on food safety of the province inspected food and essential goods at business establishments in Lak district.

Regarding the Consumer Rights Protection Association, according to Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, President of the Dak Lak Provincial Consumer Rights Protection Association, the Association has not yet received any complaints from consumers related to the discovery of hundreds of counterfeit milk brands. However, according to regulations, consumers have the right to sue the manufacturer or distributor to protect their rights. The Association is ready to assist consumers with complaints or suggestions related to goods, products, and functional foods that show signs of being counterfeit or do not match the information published on the product packaging. To file a complaint or lawsuit, consumers can go directly to the headquarters of the Dak Lak Provincial Consumer Rights Protection Association at 49 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Buon Ma Thuot City; call the hotline 1800.6838; or send a letter via postal mail.

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